Declaration of the Party of the European Left on Lebanon

Declaration of the Party of the European Left on Lebanon

16 November 2017

Maite Mola, Vice-President of the European Left:

The Party of the European Left expresses its deep concern after the events that occurred since November 4 with the resignation of Prime Minister Saad Hariri, in particularly turbulent conditions, and contrary to the constitutional rules, as pointed out by the highest authorities of the Lebanese State. This situation comes at a time when Lebanon had regained a remarkable stability over the last year, marked in particular by the return to the functioning of the institutions, the election of the President of the Republic, the formation of a government of national unity, the adoption of the Finance Act and a new electoral law introducing for the first time the principle of proportional representation in the legislative elections. At the same time, the terrorist groups Daesh and Al-Nosra had been weakened, allowing for greater stability and security. In view of the development of this crisis as unexpected as it is serious, the Party of the European Left: Calls for full clarity on the conditions under which Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri is kept out of the national territory in detention conditions which are becoming particularly strange and suspect from day to day. Supports the President of the Lebanese Republic, General Michel Aoun in his demand for the return of Prime Minister Saad Hariri and his family to his homeland as soon as possible. Assures, like the Lebanese authorities, that this is the express condition for the return to the constitutional life of the institutions and the easing of tensions. Supports the position of the authorities and the Government of Lebanon on the respect of the rules and the foundations of international law, including the principles of sovereignty, non-interference and independence enshrined in the United Nations Charter, the Vienna Convention and the founding charter of the Arab League. The EL calls Saudi-Arabia and Iran to stop intervening in Lebanese domestic affairs. Calls on all States of the European Union to strongly support the common position expressed by the EU and to support Lebanon in this event. Calls on the European Parliament, its President, as well as all relevant parliamentary bodies engaged with Lebanon in the framework of the Association Agreements to take action and implement all means to help Lebanon and strengthen its stability and its development.